Language delays occur when children do not achieve milestones of language development typical for their age.  This can include slowed development in speech, language content, knowledge of syntax/grammar, and how the child uses language. Children with language delays may follow a traditional trajectory of development, albeit slower than their peers.

If the delay persists, or ceases to follow a slowed traditional trajectory of development, it may indicate the presence of a language disorder.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA, n.d.) defines a language disorder as:

"... significant impairment in the acquisition and use of language across modalities due to deficits in comprehension and/or production across any of the five language domains (i.e., phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics). Language disorders may persist across the lifespan, and symptoms may change over time."

Language disorders can exist on their own or in conjunction with other disabilities. Click the pictures below to learn more about disabilities related to language disabilities and to review symptoms of language disabilities.